The Government has billed the country's new budget as a national response to new risks and opportunities.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has attempted to frame budget 2018 as a financial plan focussed on protecting hard-pressed households, acting to tackle the housing crisis and to create new defences from the Brexit fallout.

A sugar tax is being introduced in line with the commitment made in the programme to Government and a full consultation process.

Spending on health has been increased by €685m, bringing total funding to almost €15.3bn for 2018, reflecting an almost 5% increase, the minister said.

Finance Minister and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe is to move into the office occupied by his predecessor Michael Noonan.